Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Its been a good car so far... - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ratphink - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Bought the civic last summer and its been pretty good so far. She had a body noise that I was told was a problem with the 2010 civics but the dealer took care of it. It still shows up when the road is especially bumpy but its ok. Milage is great and the car sips gas. Handles great and because I am average height, theres plenty of room for me and friends. It really is fun to drive and I love the reliability. I also notice that people arent dinging my doors cuz the car is slimmer than my Camry yet has the same room inside as my old car(98 camry). So far, overall, I would buy another.

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  Best hybrid I have tested - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By exf150owner - January 15 - 7:48 pm

  Tested/considered many hybrids. I love the tech of the Prius but just wanted something different and better looking. I love my little CRZ and smile every time I drive it. I had a couple in a prius pull up next to me to say how much they loved the car. Dont get me wrong the prius is a completely different vehicle with excllent storage , but if you want a great looking car that handles great, looks awesome and gets close to 40mpg real world this is for you!. Gauges are beautifull. Sound system is incredible. Reasonably low road noise. faste enough in sport mode. Excellent fit and finish.

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  Low MPG - 2011 Honda Accord
  By onlyhondas - January 15 - 6:02 pm

  I have put about 500 miles on my new 2011 Accord and have yet to achieve anything near the reported MPG ratings. I was hoping that it would get better after a few fill ups but only got 17.6 mpg on this last tank that was 80% in town and 20 highway. I squeaked out 20 mpg on the previous tank that was about 60% highway. Well below the rated 27 MPG for combined driving. I love the car but the low mpg is very discouraging especially since I gave up my beloved Civic to trade up.

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  Insightful!!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By insightfulbob - January 11 - 8:21 pm

  Just picked up car two days ago, love it already. Will have to get back to you all in a month or so to let you know about mileage. I was going to purchase , but for those who are interested, there is a great lease deal going on right now. Zero down,$210 per month, 36 months, plus a buy option. Jump on it!!! Paid a little more (223) per month for EX, but NO SALES TAX.

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  Great Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By usmc75 - January 8 - 8:17 pm

  Had a 2010 Honda civic could not handle the noise and ride. Got the Accord LX-P WOW what a difference its like day and night. Love my accord, power,ride roomy and MPG. Thanks Honda

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  EX-L V6 Accord Coupe is Upscale, Sporty, Reliable and Even Hot! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By tcarstar - January 8 - 12:37 pm

  The 2011 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 looks great outside and inside. The exterior looks upscale and sporty like an entry-level luxury car. The handling is tight and sporty. The black leather interior looks sporty and upscale. Its hot! The Accord coupe exterior looks different than the sedan. I would compare the V6 Accord Coupe more to an Infinity or Acura than a Camry, Fusion or Sonata sedan. We also own a loaded 2010 Camry XLE sedan to compare against. The Camry has a more comfortable, quiet and luxurious ride, but the Accord V6 Coupe is more sporty and hot looking inside and out. The Honda Accord is super reliable, so you always have dependable transportation and no headaches. Its a good buy.

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  Hybrid in disguise - 2004 Honda Civic
  By illili - January 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car because I commute too many miles a week for a 4.0 v6 to cut it. I drove the car back from Chesapeake VA to the top corner of Pennsylvania and it drove wonderfully. The gas mileage is superb I get mid-upper 40s in my area (This will vary greatly for anyone looking to buy one based on elevation changes on driving route, habits, ethanol in gas, etc.) during the dead of winter. The comfort is just about the same as my truck, however Im more into functionality than luxury when it comes to vehicles, so if you need clouds to sit on, this isnt your car. The car has little passing power unless you shift down a few gears, but thats not what its designed for.

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  GREAT CAR - 1992 Honda Accord
  By megsiep52 - January 6 - 3:34 pm

  I bought my accord with 219k miles on it a few months ago and it now has 236k miles on it. had to bleed the clutch, but it runs great. Leaks a little oil, but its 18 years old and the leak is minimal at best. I love driving this car and even though I have a 1999 dodge minivan, Id rather drive my accord and I trust the honda much more than the newer van. Great purchase! still retains more value than models 10 years newer! Love my car!!!k miles on it just a few months ago. Had to bleed the clutch, but since then, regular ROUTINE maintenence and it runs awesome. Ive

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  No other like it - 2011 Honda Element
  By gvlivingaz - January 5 - 12:47 pm

  This is my second Element. I traded in my first after losing my dog. Unfortunately I equated the car with the dog. Later I found out I missed the Element so much I had to have another. Traded in my leased MB ML350 early when I found out the Element was going to be discontinued. The versatility is unmatched. You may not think it, but this is a very comfortable car on a long trip. No back ache like I got from some of my other vehicles. On first two fill-ups got 25 MPG. Take the back seat out and youve got quite a hauler. I also like the fact that you can flip up the back seats to the side if you have to and haul a large payload in an emergency.

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  Pleasant Surprise, Insight on the Rise - 2010 Honda Insight
  By luna9 - January 5 - 7:54 am

  I came about the 2010 Insight EX-Navi while searching for a new Honda Accord. Being in the market for a quality sedan with decent mpg and storage, I was surprised to learn that the Insight was priced so reasonably ... and had excellent storage capacity. To be honest I completely forgot about the re-release of this Honda hybrid (Prius has earned the preeminent hybrid spotlight). However, the Honda Insight deserves more than a second glance with its svelte interior, responsive driving experience, and higher-than-stated EPA actual gas mileage. Price all of these features a minimum of $2,200 kess AND put in a Honda package you can trust and youve got a steal for a hybrid hatchback under $20k.